By Pastor Don Schatz

Worthy Labor

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud Link

I had a heat pump installed and connected to my furnace and ductwork recently.  I was impressed with how steadily, confidently and dedicatedly the two young men worked.  The whole idea of a heat pump amazes me.  The ingenuity with which God has blessed humankind is truly wonderful.  The “gift” of others’ labor to make my life better is a blessing.  I put “gift” in quotation marks because of course it wasn’t a gift.  I paid for it.

But today is Labor Day and even if I paid for the equipment and workers, they worked hard.  They worked with pride.  They had knowledge which includes mechanical systems, electrical systems and wiring, plumbing systems, heat/AC systems, even Wi-Fi and smart thermostats and apps to make things work!  I was tempted to say, “Well, I still know how to tie my shoes!”  Somehow it didn’t seem on the same order of magnitude.

“When God gives man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19. New International Version

I had several chances over two days to talk with the guys.  They were grateful for their jobs.  They enjoyed their work.  They took pride in it.  Not a ‘rub your nose in it’ sort of pride.  A worthy pride in worthy work well done.  They had a sense of service about them.

On this Labor Day, I hope for you that you can say the same.  If you are retired, there is still plenty to do.  Even if you are the only one to see it done.  We are grateful for the Lord’s blessings.  That includes our work.  We lift up to him the manner in which we do our work as an act of worship.  Truly.  Where is the blessing to serve in your work?  Where is the blessing that others receive because of your work and the manner and attitude with which you do it?  It’s there, trust me.

Oh, and even God took a day off.  Regularly.  Make sure you do as well.  And–many are working today.  For us.  Will you lift up a prayer of thanks to the Lord for them?  Hi Ho, Hi Ho…,oh, right.  Not today.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado